So I've been looking for a daily comuter for a while now and have narrowed it done to a VW Beetle TDI. I'm definitely looking at used bugs but wanted to know if anyone out there has the knowledge on which year TDI beetle is the most reliable and/or has the least issues. im looking at 2006 and earlier models if that helps.

Durt,
I almost bought one on several occasions for work when I was driving 50k+ miles a year. Either one of two things happen; the motor runs great forever, but the rest of the car falls apart and costs a fortune to fix, or then engine falls apart too!

Every car on the LeSueur VW lot is a recall, lemon, or prior wreck. I literally talked to probably 100 people including diesel mechanics, dealers, auto body guys, past owners, etc...

In 2004 I bought an 2002 Beetle TDi with 38k (still under warranty til 60k) to commute in. I still have it today and it has 210k miles on it and runs like a champ. Ive got next to nothing in it. I never had a warranty claim. I have:

replaced one AC compressor
replaced a worn timing belt (not a broken one, had them do it while in for compressor)
replaced a wheel bearing
replaced oil pressure sensor
replaced plastic skid plate with aftermarket metal one (this is a must)

I bought My 2005 Jetta TDI with 50k miles, it now has 200k on the clock and has been a great car! I commute about 100miles round trip everyday and have really only had minor issues. I replaced the timing belt and water pump at 100k per VW specs. Then I had the clutch replaced at 188k and that's about it. I regularly get 50+mpg on my commute to and from work.

I haven't checked what they are going for, but I think between 16 & 17k. It's a 2009, manual transmission, and ~ 45k on the odometer. It's been well maintained and I've been extremely careful with the fuel I've put in (I have every receipt). I'm getting 44mpg over the entire life of the car (not going off of the mfd - they are notoriously optimistic).

The HPFP is only on the 09 and up. I wouldn't own one myself, too much risk. A buddy of mine is trading in his sportwagon with 50,000 miles on it after the fuel pump crapped on him. If he would have asked my opinion before he bought it I would have told him to pass.

I just sold my 2006 Jetta TDI in September with 90,000 miles on it. Absolutley loved the car and hated to get rid of it. I would however caution you that the motors in 05-06 need 505.01 spec oil and preferrably 5W-40. Some are having success protecting the cam with non-505.01 oil like Mobil1 TDT or Shaffers 9000 with very good results. The cams on these engines wear prematurely. Its about $2000 repair and its not a matter of if but rather when the cam is going to fail. Jon Hunter (previous reply) can tell you more about the cams. Also, I would not buy the automatic (DSG) version, too much maintenence involved (every 40K) and likely the previous owner didn't care for it as they should have. Get the manual trans.

Bottom line, I would not recomend this car to my mom or my sister, too much can happen and you really need to watch for the issues that come with this engine. However, if you are willing to be diligent with maintenence and are prepared to replace a cam at some point, they are great cars. I would buy another one.....but only if it had complete and appropriate maintenence records.

had a 96 passat tdi wagon, best/worst car ever.
best:
gas milage - i could do about 1200 miles on one tank!
resale - bought it for $7k put over 100k miles on it, sold it for $5k
room - great for road trips, could sleep in the back, the rear seats are huge
worst:
windows, door handles, cup holders - all broke several times over
I will say I also purchased a 97 diesel benz, never again. left me stranded several times, with the passat, I constantly beat on that car and it never failed.

as stated above tdiclub.com is the place to go for advice on all things tdi.
happy hunting.